From Anita Wood

Sunday Reflections… I loved being in a class yesterday, sharing God’s word and learning with others. I hope you gleaned much from your class as well: small groups matter.

Sunday School IS important. My belief grows the more I travel and speak with people from various churches. I train people from churches across many states, and when I do, I often reflect about our beloved fellowship. Recently I spoke about assimilation, including others.

Assimilation… is connection: connection that occurs within groups, among people, and within our church fellowship. Connection is something Jesus commands of his children, John 15:17 and Ephesians 5:21. Jesus’ ministry mentioned in Luke 4:18-19 defines our ministry as well. Ministry includes connection/assimilation.

Poor assimilation includes being inward-focused and using insider-language. I encourage every class to welcome, reach out and include newcomers, otherwise, our group becomes inward-focused. Insider-language occurs when we reference things that a newcomer has no way to understand—much as if you walked into a family reunion full of history-stories and everyone understands but you… ever have that experience? These two factors are barriers to guests in our midst. This may occur in worship, in our conversations, and in our class environments.

The good news that YOU may be the difference-maker

as you express kindness and compassion. When we welcome others it facilitates assimilation; show hospitality without complaining, I Peter

4:9.

YOU can be a change-agent—be intentional. Dare to speak first to someone you don’t recognize. Is someone sitting alone you might invite to sit with you? Are there guests you might invite to your Sunday School class? These two things make such a difference! Initiate conversation! Take a minute and recall that uncomfortable feeling of being in new surroundings not knowing anyone? Be the helper you wished for then… help another. I appreciate your help with my ministry of assimilation!